Praedicator

Verba

Wednesday, October 19, 2016 - Wednesday in the 29th Week in Ordinary Time

[Eph 3:2-12 and Luke 12:39-48]

Then Peter said, "Lord, is this parable meant for us or for everyone?" [Luke]

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2016 ST. JOHN DE BREBEUF, ST. ISAAC JOGUES AND COMPANIONS, martyrs

The gospel scripture today picks up in mid-stream in Chapter 12 of the Gospel of Luke. The parable to which Peter is referring has to do with vigilant servants awaiting the arrival of the Master of the house. Those who are found ready and alert will be richly rewarded. Those found asleep will pay dearly for their lack of vigilance. The portion of the parable that begins today's selection refers more to the Master of the House than to the servants. So, if the reader has time to read from v. 35 to 39, the whole section will make more sense. There is an important shift in meaning after Peter's question, quoted above.

After Peter's question, the meaning of Jesus' teaching shifts from "servant" to "steward." A steward would be someone with authority and responsibility for the belongings of the Master. Jesus directs the remainder of the parable to the leadership, and concludes with the lines: "Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more."

On retreats for priests and deacons, I devote some time to the question of the "stewardship of power." By virtue of ordination, priests and deacons are given a certain stewardship for the People of God. That stewardship carries certain powers in regard not only to sacramental ministry, but also for leadership. Pope Francis has challenged the ordained ministers of the church to have "the smell of the sheep," and has attacked "clericalism" which assumes a kind of superiority. The matter does not stop there, however. Whether we be an ordained person or not, if we take on responsibility in a parish or other church ministry, we are responsible to the Lord and to the people. We exercise that responsibility NOW with a view to being held accountable by the Lord when we die. Any abuse of power is harmful. The Body of Christ deserves the best efforts of all those entrusted with its care. AMEN